If you thought camping in Florida was all about the beach, think again—the Sunshine State also has plenty to tempt adventurers inland. Florida’s three national forests are pockets of wilderness, where you can hike, bike, or horseback ride along woodland tracks; swim, fish, and kayak in freshwater lakes; and spot wildlife in their natural habitats. Camping options are available in all three forests, ranging from developed campgrounds and rustic cabins to primitive camping in the heart of the woods. Still not adventurous enough? Intrepid campers can also pitch their tent at hike-in campsites along the 1,300-mile Florida National Scenic Trail.
Panhandle
Florida’s largest national forest, Apalachicola, lies just outside Tallahassee and has more than 600,000 acres of pine and hammock forests. Take in the views along the Big Bend Scenic Byway, or explore further along the network of hiking, biking, OHV, and horse trails. Campers can choose from rustic hunt camps or RV campgrounds with electric hookups, and dispersed camping is also permitted.
North Florida
Less than an hour’s drive west of Jacksonville, Osceola National Forest is a wild mosaic of flatwoods and swamplands. Camp by the shore of the Ocean Pond lake, where you can swim, sail, and fish, or enjoy primitive camping along sections of the Florida National Scenic Trail. Forest trails are open for mountain bikers and horseback riders, as well as hikers.
Central Florida
Just a 90-minute drive from Orlando's theme parks, the amusements at Ocala National Forest are all natural. The wilderness area is peppered with more than 600 lakes, and there are plenty of ways to get on the water. Swim, fish, canoe, water-ski, or even try freshwater scuba diving, then set up camp at one of 12 campgrounds.
National Forest campgrounds in Florida.
Camp by the lakeside or along woodland trails in Florida’s national forests.
If you thought camping in Florida was all about the beach, think again—the Sunshine State also has plenty to tempt adventurers inland. Florida’s three national forests are pockets of wilderness, where you can hike, bike, or horseback ride along woodland tracks; swim, fish, and kayak in freshwater lakes; and spot wildlife in their natural habitats. Camping options are
Read more...If you thought camping in Florida was all about the beach, think again—the Sunshine State also has plenty to tempt adventurers inland. Florida’s three national forests are pockets of wilderness, where you can hike, bike, or horseback ride along woodland tracks; swim, fish, and kayak in freshwater lakes; and spot wildlife in their natural habitats. Camping options are available in all three forests, ranging from developed campgrounds and rustic cabins to primitive camping in the heart of the woods. Still not adventurous enough? Intrepid campers can also pitch their tent at hike-in campsites along the 1,300-mile Florida National Scenic Trail.
Panhandle
Florida’s largest national forest, Apalachicola, lies just outside Tallahassee and has more than 600,000 acres of pine and hammock forests. Take in the views along the Big Bend Scenic Byway, or explore further along the network of hiking, biking, OHV, and horse trails. Campers can choose from rustic hunt camps or RV campgrounds with electric hookups, and dispersed camping is also permitted.
North Florida
Less than an hour’s drive west of Jacksonville, Osceola National Forest is a wild mosaic of flatwoods and swamplands. Camp by the shore of the Ocean Pond lake, where you can swim, sail, and fish, or enjoy primitive camping along sections of the Florida National Scenic Trail. Forest trails are open for mountain bikers and horseback riders, as well as hikers.
Central Florida
Just a 90-minute drive from Orlando's theme parks, the amusements at Ocala National Forest are all natural. The wilderness area is peppered with more than 600 lakes, and there are plenty of ways to get on the water. Swim, fish, canoe, water-ski, or even try freshwater scuba diving, then set up camp at one of 12 campgrounds.